Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1887-09-22
THE WORK REVIEWED.
QUESTIONS FOR THE REVIEW BY
REV. r. S. M'ARTHUR, D. D.

Quarter That Began with the First
Sunday in July-Golden Text, Luke
iv, 43.
1t is always difficult to prepare and to teach
the Review Lesson.
Some schools may prefer the temperance
lesson in Romans xiii, S-l4, which is sug-
gested by the committee; other schools the
missionary lesson in Matthew iv, 12-16; still
other schools may use the occasion as prayer
and inquiry meeting. This we have known
to be done with great success. After the texts
are recited and the records made the leader
may give this direction to the occasion Re
cent converts may give brief testimonies, the
older Christians may add their ripper expert
ence, and those who desire to become Chris
tians may manifest their desire by rising
Then, after prayers have been offered. the
general school may be dismissed, while those
who wish for religious conversation may meet
in some smaller room 1t is our firm convic-
ton that occasions Of this sort should be more
frequent. We often cut down golden grain
which we never gather into sheaves. During
the past few years we have seen admirable
results from the use of these means. Children
while young should be encouraged to give
their hearts to Christ and connect themselves
view should be given for those who wish to
go over the lessons in their order.
L July s. The Infant Jesus. Matthew Ii, l.
12.-The word Jesus is explained for Us in the
Golden Text of the lesson. It is a precious
word to every Christian ear and heart He
was the true Joshua. He came to deliver his
people from bondage and to lead them to the
true Canaan. The infancy Of Jesus brings
him near to the hearts of parents and chill
dren He gloried and sanctifed the cradle;
he honored motherhood. The Christ must
have his birth in every heart in cP1er that his
coming may bring to each one Of us the
largest possible blessing.
2. July 10. The Flight into Egypt Matthew
ii, 13-23-Even as a babe Christ's presence
developed hostility. Wherever he comes he
excites the wrath Of ignorant and wicked
men. In our early Christian life we must
expect persecution; but as God delivered his
infant Son, so be will deliver all who put
their trust in him.
8. July II. John the Baptist Matt. iii, l.
12-The character of the noble Baptist is
worthy of careful study. We need such stall
wart believers and fearless preachers in our
day He rightly OWNED the word, he lived
what he preached, but his highest honor was
found in pointing inquirers to the Lamb Of
God" He decreased that Christ might in
crease.
T. July "a The Baptism of Jesus. Matt.
iii, 13-17.-The central thought of this lesson
is the obedience of Jesus Christ He stood in
our place; as our representative he submitted
to baptism. God commended the act by an
audible voice from heaven expressing appro-
val Afterward Christ gave the command
ment to all believers to be baptized We
thus have both his command and example
1t becomes US to have due regard TO this ordi-
nance as an act of obedience to our assembled
Lord. 1t marked his entrance into his public
ministry. 1t was also the occasion of his re-
ceiving fuller conceptions of his earthly work
5. July 81. The Temptation of Jesus Matt
iv, 1-11.-From the waters of baptism
Christ went to the wilderness of temptation
His whole soul is aglow with holy enthusi-
asm; but no act of religious obedience, no con-
dition of spiritual joy, can assure'us of free
dom from temptation. 1t was moment Of
intense interest for the race Satan had
overcome the first Adam. If he can over
come the second Adam his victory will be
complete. Christ's example in overcoming
Satan is worthy of our imitation. He used
no weapon but the Sword of the spirit, which
is the word of God" Temptations are sure
to come upon us; but Christ won, SO we mat
win. Our Lord knew by experience what the
struggle with temptation means; he therefore
can sy sympathize with those that are tempted.
We may claim that sympathy, and we may
be sure that he will give US his divine help.
6. Aug. z. Jesus in Galilee. Matt iv, IL
25.-This is lesson of great interest. Christ
brought light to those who had sat in dark
ness. We see him here walking by the Sea of
Galilee, calling two pairs OF brothers into his
service The foundation of his church was
thus laid. These men Immediately left their
daily duties and followed Jesus. Their
prompt obedience we should initiate Christ
showed himself to be a great teacher,
ipreacher and healer. All manner of sickness
yielded to his power. He still possesses this
characteristic. He will heal the souls of all
who will come unto him Our highest honor
is to become his disciples.
2. Aug. IA The Beatitudes. Matt. v,
1-16.-This lesson many Sunday school schol.
ars know by heart. When Christ first opened
his mouth blessings fell upon all who sat at
his feet. Never before nor since have such
wonderful words been spoken. The world
calls those who are rich the happy. Christ
contradicts this opinion. He called the poor,
the sorrowing, the meek, the hungry, the
merciful, the pure in heart, the peace makers,
the prosecuted, the happy ones of the earth.
We need still to learn the lesson which he here
teaches. He also commands US to let our
light shine Every boy and girl has some
light. We must keep the lower lights burn
ing.
s. Aug. 81. Jesus and the Law Matt.
V, 17-26.-This is a continuation of the SER
mon on the mount. Many who heard Christ
supposed that he had come to destroy the
q folya To bol
come to destroy, but to fulfill He lifted the
law to higher plane; he carried its truths
from the outward act to the inward thought.
He was its original author; he was, there
fore, its best interpreter. This is true still
even to this hour he is the worlds greatesi
teacher.
9. Aug. %. Piety without Display. Matt
vi, lis. There were many errors which
Christ was obliged to rebuke. One Of
them was a tendency to make display of
piety. This was characteristic of the scribes
and Pharisees. Christ shows that our good
deeds are to be'done with a regard for Gods
approval rather than mans; as in our pray
ers, so in our almsgiving. The man who
prays to be seen of men will not be heard OF
God. Christ does not here prohibit family or
public prayer, but he gives direction regard
ing our private prayers. "Ihe Model Prayer"
which he here gives, we ought all to know
thoroughly and repeat often. Our whole
lives ought to prove that we are striving to
hallow Gods great name.
10. Sept. 4. Trust in our Heavenly Father.
Matt vi, A-34. Our Lord continues to re-
buke a lack Of trust, as well as hypocritical
display. God cares for the fowls of the air,
and for the flowers of the field; it is certain
then that he will not be Indifferent to his
children. Distrust of God is unbecoming on
the part of his children. Undue anxiety un-
fits for the duties of today, and borrows also
the burdens of tomorrow. We must seek
first the kingdom of God. The man who
seeks this kingdom shall have all earthly
things which God sees best for him to possess,
IL. Sept. II. Golden Precepts. Matt vii,
1-12-We now move forward to the more
particular instruction given in this lesson.
Christ here rebukes the tendency to Judge
others harshly and ourselves partially. This
tendency is as unmanly as it is unchristian.
1t is as truly form of hypocrisy rs our
giving Of aims to be seen of men. We are